2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
| 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series | |||
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The 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup season was the 53rd season of professional stock car racing in the United States, the 30th modern-era Cup series, and the first Cup season of the 21st century and the 3rd millennium. It began on February 11, 2001, at Daytona International Speedway and ended on November 23, 2001, at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports was declared as the series champion for the 4th time in seven years.
The season was marred by a two-car collision at the end of the season-opening Daytona 500, which claimed the life of seven-time Series champion Dale Earnhardt. The accident resulted in safety upgrades being instituted. It also was the first year to have a unified television contract with Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and Turner Sports broadcasting the season's races; previous seasons saw each racetrack negotiate their own TV coverage, creating a patchwork of broadcast companies covering races throughout the season. Dodge returned to the sport for the first time since 1985. Chevrolet captured the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship with 16 wins and 248 points.[1]
Teams and drivers
Complete schedule
Limited schedule
Schedule
Budweiser Shootout
The Budweiser Shootout, an invitational event for all recent Bud Pole winners, was held February 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader drew the pole. This was the first race broadcast on Fox.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 3 - Dale Earnhardt
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 31 - Mike Skinner
Gatorade 125s
The Gatorade 125s, qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Bill Elliott and Stacy Compton started on pole for both races, respectively. The qualifying races were broadcast live for the first time; races prior to 2001 were broadcast on tape delay.
Race One Top Ten Results
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 3 - Dale Earnhardt
- 96 - Andy Houston
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 01 - Jason Leffler
- 51 - Jeff Purvis
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 19 - Casey Atwood
Race Two Top Ten Results
- 31 - Mike Skinner
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 36 - Ken Schrader
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 6 - Mark Martin
43rd Daytona 500
The 43rd Daytona 500 was held February 18, 2001 at Daytona International Speedway.
Top 10 Results
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 7 - Mike Wallace
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 92 - Stacy Compton
Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71), Todd Bodine (No. 66), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Rick Mast (No. 50), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Norm Benning (No. 84), Carl Long (No. 85), Morgan Shepherd (No. 80), Dwayne Leik (No. 72)
- In turn 4 on the final lap, Dale Earnhardt crashed and died as a result of his injuries. He finished 12th despite not having crossed the finish line, same thing for Ken Schrader, who was also involved in the crash and finished 13th.[2]
- This was the first race that featured cars from Chrysler Motors (in this case, the Dodge manufacturing family) since 1985.[3]
- Bill Elliott won the Daytona 500 pole for the fourth time in his career and the first time driving a Dodge.
- Michael Waltrip won the race after 463 career starts (462 without a win).
- Stacy Compton, the outside pole-sitter, scored his only Top 10 finish in his career in this race.
- Rookies Andy Houston, Casey Atwood, Buckshot Jones, Kurt Busch; Ron Hornaday, Jr.; and Jason Leffler made their first Daytona 500 appearances in this race. Only three of these rookies—Houston, Jones, and Hornaday, Jr.—made the Daytona 500 for the only time, while Busch went on to win the 2017 Daytona 500.
Dura Lube 400
The Dura Lube 400 started on February 25 but ended on February 26 due to a rain delay, making it a two-day race at the North Carolina Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 1 - Steve Park
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kyle Petty (No. 45)
- This race was won by DEI driver Steve Park in an emotional victory just one week after Earnhardt's death. It was his last career victory to date.
- Richard Childress placed Busch Grand National driver Kevin Harvick into the car formerly driven by Earnhardt, changed the car's number from No. 3 to No. 29 and the paint scheme from primarily black to primarily white.
- Because of that, this was Harvick's first start in the Cup Series.
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. suffered a crash on the first lap of the race, in which his car hit the outside wall in an eerily similar fashion to his father's fatal crash a week earlier, but Earnhardt, Jr. was not seriously injured.
UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400
The UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 was held March 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 66 - Todd Bodine
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 1 - Steve Park
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 14 - Ron Hornaday
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Brendan Gaughan (No. 62), Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50)
- Jeff Gordon won the No Bull $5 Million Bonus.
- This was Ron Hornaday's only Cup Top 10 finish.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500
The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 was held March 11 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 5 - Terry Labonte
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 36 - Ken Schrader
- 31 - Mike Skinner
- 97 - Kurt Busch 1 lap down
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Carl Long (No. 85), Casey Atwood (No. 19)
- This race is best remembered for the exciting finish between rookie Kevin Harvick and three-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon. Harvick would outduel the champion in a spectacular finish, winning by only .006 seconds, being the second closest finish in NASCAR history at the time. Harvick performed a burnout on the frontstretch with three fingers aloft. It was his first victory in only his third start in the Cup Series, a then-record for fewest starts to first win in the Modern Era of Cup racing.
Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held March 18 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Gordon started on pole after qualifying was rained out.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 1 - Steve Park
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 43 - John Andretti
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Food City 500
The Food City 500 was held March 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 21 - Elliott Sadler*
- 43 - John Andretti
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 5 - Terry Labonte
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 1 - Steve Park
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Carl Long (No. 85)
- This was Elliott Sadler's first career win, and the first for the Wood Brothers Racing team since 1993 with Morgan Shepherd.
- It was also the first time cars No. 21 and No. 43 took the top two finishing positions since 1977, but the first time since the 1976 Southern 500 that the No. 21 finished on top when David Pearson beat Richard Petty. As of 2016 it is the most recent time those two cars have finished in the top two spots.[4]
Harrah's 500
The Harrah's 500 was held April 1 at Texas Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 1 - Steve Park
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 36 - Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50)
Virginia 500
The Virginia 500 was held April 8 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
Failed to qualify: Jason Leffler (No. 01), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)
Talladega 500
The Talladega 500 was held April 22 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton*
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 7 - Mike Wallace
- 99 - Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)
- This was Bobby Hamilton's fourth and last win in the Cup Series.
- This was the first win for Andy Petree Racing
- This was the second caution-free race in the history of Talladega Superspeedway, but the aerodynamics package was vastly different than the first caution-free race, which in turn made the average speed (184.003 mph) slower than the track record.
- Stacy Compton won his first Cup Series pole for this race.
NAPA Auto Parts 500
The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held April 29 at California Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 77 - Robert Pressley
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)
- This race was on what would have been Dale Earnhardt's 50th birthday, and his best friend and greatest adversary Rusty Wallace won an emotional race.
Pontiac Excitement 400
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held May 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 1 - Steve Park
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 36 - Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)
The Winston
Coca-Cola 600
The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole; this was the first career pole on his 2nd start at Lowes on a limited schedule.
Top 10 Results
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: John Andretti (No. 43), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Jeff Fultz (No. 54), Carl Long (No. 85)
- Stewart successfully performed the "Double Duty", also running the Indianapolis 500 the same day; Joe Gibbs Racing had Mike McLaughlin on standby if Stewart did not arrive on time. Stewart arrived less than half an hour before the start of the race. If Stewart did not arrive for the start of the Coca-Cola 600, McLaughlin would have been given credit for the start under NASCAR rules. Stewart had to start at the end of the field (43rd place) due to missing the mandatory drivers' meeting that is held 2 hours before any race.[5]
- Dale Jarrett overcame a rib injury during qualifying to finish 8th. As a precaution, Jeff Green was on standby.
- Even though Ryan Newman won the pole, he finished 43rd after crashing while leading on lap 10.
MBNA Platinum 400
The MBNA Platinum 400 was held June 3 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole after qualifying was canceled because of rain.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 1 - Steve Park
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Jeff Green (No. 30), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
- Gordon led 381 of the 400 laps.
Kmart 400
The Kmart 400 was held June 10 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon*
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 02 - Ryan Newman
- 90 - Hut Stricklin
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Rick Mast (No. 50), Andy Houston (No. 96), Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)
This race was the Winston Cup Series debut of Shawna Robinson, the first woman to successfully attempt a Cup Series race since Patty Moise in 1989.
- This was Rick Hendrick's 100th career win in the Cup Series as an owner.
Pocono 500
The Pocono 500 was held June 17 at Pocono Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 36 - Ken Schrader
- 99 - Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)
- This was Rudd's first win since 1998.
Dodge/Save Mart 350
The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held June 24 at Sears Point Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 7 - Robby Gordon
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 6 - Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Anthony Lazzaro (No. 68), Jason Leffler (No. 04)
Pepsi 400
The Pepsi 400 was held July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole. In the first race at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt, son Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a whopping 116 of the race's 160 laps on his way to an emotional victory in what is arguably one of the more memorable races in NASCAR history (See race notes below).
Top Ten Results
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 21 - Elliott Sadler
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 11 - Brett Bodine
- 7 - Mike Wallace
Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)
- - This was the first Cup race at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt.
- - This was also the first Cup Series race on NBC under the 2001–2006 contract.
- - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s win, coupled with Michael Waltrip pushing him to the victory (the reverse of the finish in Daytona 500) made for an emotional moment. Earnhardt Jr, Waltrip, and their crews, as well as Chocolate Myers, a longtime crew member for Dale Earnhardt, Sr., all celebrated in the infield grass on the frontstretch. Earnhardt, Jr. and Waltrip shared a hug on top of Waltrip's No. 15 car (Earnhardt, Sr. used to celebrate by standing on his roof).
Tropicana 400
The inaugural Tropicana 400 was held July 15 at Chicagoland Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 9 - Bill Elliott
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)
New England 300
The New England 300 was held July 22 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 1 - Steve Park
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 7 - Mike Wallace
Failed to qualify: Mike Bliss (No. 27)
Pennsylvania 500
The Pennsylvania 500 was held July 29 at Pocono Raceway. Todd Bodine won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 32 - Ricky Craven
Failed to qualify: Andy Hillenburg (No. 49), Carl Long (No. 85)
Brickyard 400
The Brickyard 400 was held August 5 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 1 - Steve Park
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Ed Berrier (No. 95), David Keith (No. 57), Rick Mast (No. 27), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Shawna Robinson (No. 84), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)
- With the win, Jeff Gordon became the first three time winner of the Brickyard 400
- Many came from the back to the front for finishing. Jeff Gordon started 27th, Johnny Benson started 26th, Rusty Wallace started 37th, Kurt Busch started 34th, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. started 36th.
Global Crossing at the Glen
The Global Crossing at the Glen was held August 12 at Watkins Glen International. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 66 - Todd Bodine
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 77 - Boris Said
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 1 - Steve Park
Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (No. 44)
Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer
The Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer was held August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole. The race was shortened to 162 laps due to rain.
Top Ten Results
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 1 - Steve Park
- 19 - Casey Atwood
Failed to qualify: David Keith (No. 57), Buckshot Jones (No. 44)
- - This race also marked Dodge's first trip to victory lane since its return to NASCAR. Dodge's last prior win was with Neil Bonnett at Ontario in 1979.
Sharpie 500
The Sharpie 500 was held August 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 1 - Steve Park
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 5 - Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)
Mountain Dew Southern 500
The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held September 2 at Darlington Raceway. Kurt Busch won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 36 - Ken Schrader
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
- Steve Park did not race because of a bizarre accident in the South Carolina 200 (the Busch Grand National Series race) the day before that left him sidelined until early 2002.
- This race ended under caution as a multi car accident brought out the yellow flag coming to the final lap.
- This win marked the second and final time that Ward and Jeff Burton each won a race in the same season.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held September 8 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 10 - Johnny Benson
Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)
- This race is remembered for Kevin Harvick almost spinning Ricky Rudd off turn 2 and Rudd saving his car from wrecking and coming back to win after bumping Harvick.
MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400
The MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400 was held September 23 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. This was the first race to be held after the September 11th attacks. Most cars sported patriotic decals and tributes.
Top Ten Results
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 19 - Casey Atwood
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
Protection One 400
The inaugural Protection One 400 was held September 30 at Kansas Speedway. Jason Leffler won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 02 - Ryan Newman
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 93 - Dave Blaney
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Ron Hornaday (No. 14)
- Jeff Gordon won his 6th and final race in 2001.
UAW-GM Quality 500
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 2 - Rusty Wallace
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Jeff Green (No. 30), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)
- This was Jimmie Johnson's first career Cup Series start. Johnson started an excellent 15th position, but was finished only 39th due to an accident.
- This race was to have been shown on NBC, but President George W. Bush was announcing the War on Terror and NBC News had to cover it, so TNT broadcast the entire race.
Old Dominion 500
The Old Dominion 500 was scheduled for October 14 at Martinsville Speedway, but was held October 15 due to rain. Todd Bodine won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 12 - Mike Wallace
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 85), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)
- This was Ricky Craven's first career Cup Series victory
EA Sports 500
The EA Sports 500 was held on October 21 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole. This race would be remembered for the last lap. After Dale Earnhardt, Jr. passed Bobby Labonte for the lead, Labonte tried to block Bobby Hamilton, going up high in turn 2. Labonte got loose, making contact with Johnny Benson, causing Labonte to flip over and slide down the back straightaway on his roof, with an additional 14 cars being collected in the wreck. While that happened, Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Stewart and Jeff Burton raced back to the start/finish line. Entering the tri-oval, Earnhardt, Jr. sailed away by three car lengths to take his third win of the season while Stewart and Burton battled for the runner-up spot.
Although he kept the win, Earnhardt, Jr. was docked 25 points after his car failed post race inspection, due to a shortened rear spoiler.
Top Ten Results
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton
- 1 - Kenny Wallace
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 7 - Kevin Lepage
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 91), Dave Marcis (No. 71)
- Earnhardt, Jr. had also won the No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus for the first time, one year after his father did it in the same race.
Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil
The Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil was held October 28 at Phoenix International Raceway. Casey Atwood won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 12 - Mike Wallace
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 31 - Robby Gordon
- 32 - Ricky Craven
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 10 - Johnny Benson
Failed to qualify: Rick Bogart (No. 70)
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held November 4 at North Carolina Speedway. Kenny Wallace won the pole.
Top Ten Results
- 33 - Joe Nemechek
- 1 - Kenny Wallace
- 10 - Johnny Benson
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 28 - Ricky Rudd
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 90)
Pennzoil Freedom 400
The Pennzoil Freedom 400 was held November 11 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Casey Atwood nearly won the race, until a late race pass by Bill Elliott.
Top Ten Results
- 9 - Bill Elliott
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 19 - Casey Atwood
- 99 - Jeff Burton
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 93 - Dave Blaney
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 30 - Jeff Green
- 01 - Jason Leffler
Failed to qualify: Rich Bickle (No. 49), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Carl Long (No. 85)
- This was Bill Elliott's first Winston Cup win since 1994.
- A pit road incident occurred on lap 112 when Ward Burton and Casey Atwood made contact, causing Ward to go into Ricky Rudd's pit stall, Seriously injuring 2 Crew Members.
NAPA 500
The NAPA 500 was held November 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The race was scheduled to be the finale to the 2001 season, but as the fall race in New Hampshire had been postponed due to the attacks of September 11, it became the penultimate race instead. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole. Jeff Gordon clinched the 2001 Winston Cup championship with his 6th-place finish. Jerry Nadeau nearly won this race, but ran out of gas with half a lap to go, giving way to Bobby Labonte.
Top Ten Results
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 29 - Kevin Harvick
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 99 - Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Mark Green (No. 41), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Kurt Busch (No. 97), Rick Mast (No. 90), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)
- Jeff Gordon clinches the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship, joining Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt to win 4 or more championships. He won the title with having 6 wins, which for him is the least amount of victories in any of his 4 championship winning seasons.
New Hampshire 300
The New Hampshire 300 was scheduled for September 16 but was moved to November 23 (the Friday after Thanksgiving) due to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The starting order was set according to owner's points as of September 10.
The win was Robby Gordon's first career victory in the Cup Series and one of only 17 times he raced in 2001 due to having been unexpectedly fired from the Morgan-McClure team after just 5 races. This race was also notable for the battle between Robby and Jeff Gordon (no relation) that led to much bumping between the two and resulting in Jeff Gordon spinning out of the lead, causing the final caution. Jeff was black-flagged for retaliating and after being held a lap by officials, he ended up in 15th place. Robby Gordon held off Sterling Marlin for the win. It would be the No. 31 team's very first win in NASCAR and his second oval win in his motorsports career (his first coming in an Indy Car race at Phoenix in 1995).
In victory lane Robby, when asked about the incident with Jeff, said that it was an accident and that he was not embarrassed about his win since he saw Jeff Gordon do something similar to win at a previous race. Robby also donated all his prize money to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
Top Ten Results
- 31 - Robby Gordon
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 18 - Bobby Labonte
- 17 - Matt Kenseth
- 20 - Tony Stewart
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau
- 77 - Robert Pressley
- 11 - Brett Bodine
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 88 - Dale Jarrett
- 42 cars were entered for this race instead of the traditional 43, as the Eel River Racing Team had folded. This was the last race to feature less than 43 cars until the 2014 Kentucky race. Beginning with the 2016 Sprint Cup season, fields are now a max of 40 cars.
Final points standings
- 24 - Jeff Gordon – 5112
- 20 - Tony Stewart – 4763
- 40 - Sterling Marlin – 4741
- 28 - Ricky Rudd – 4706
- 88 - Dale Jarrett – 4612
- 18 - Bobby Labonte – 4561
- 2 - Rusty Wallace – 4481
- 8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 4460
- 29 - Kevin Harvick (R) – 4406
- 99 - Jeff Burton – 4394
- 10 - Johnny Benson Jr. – 4152
- 6 - Mark Martin – 4095
- 17 - Matt Kenseth – 3982
- 22 - Ward Burton – 3846
- 9 - Bill Elliott – 3824
- 26 - Jimmy Spencer – 3782
- 25 - Jerry Nadeau – 3675
- 55 - Bobby Hamilton – 3575
- 36 - Ken Schrader – 3480
- 21 - Elliott Sadler – 3471
- 32 - Ricky Craven – 3379
- 93 - Dave Blaney – 3303
- 5 - Terry Labonte – 3280
- 15 - Michael Waltrip −3159
- 77 - Robert Pressley – 3156
- 19 - Casey Atwood (R) – 3132
- 97 - Kurt Busch (R) – 3081
- 33 - Joe Nemechek – 2994
- 66 - Todd Bodine – 2960
- 11 - Brett Bodine – 2948
- 43 - John Andretti – 2943
- 1 - Steve Park – 2854
- 92 - Stacy Compton – 2752
- 7 - Mike Wallace – 2693
- 12 - Jeremy Mayfield – 2651
- 4 - Kevin Lepage – 2461
- 01 - Jason Leffler (R) – 2413
- 14 - Ron Hornaday Jr. (R) – 2305
- 1 - Kenny Wallace – 2054
- 31 - Mike Skinner – 2029
- 44 - Buckshot Jones – 1939
- 90 - Hut Stricklin – 1770
- 45 - Kyle Petty – 1673
- 31 - Robby Gordon – 1552
- 50 - Rick Mast – 1187
- 96 - Andy Houston (R) – 1123
- 33 - Bobby Hamilton, Jr. – 748
- 30 - Jeff Green – 539
- 02 - Ryan Newman – 497
- 77 - Boris Said – 272
Rookie of the Year
Kevin Harvick emerged as the victor of the Rookie of the Year battle[6] despite not declaring for the award until the second race of the season, as he took over for Dale Earnhardt following his fatal crash. Harvick won 2 races and finished 9th in points. Kurt Busch finished 2nd, despite only having one year of experience in a major NASCAR series. 3rd-place finisher Casey Atwood was pre-season favorite, but was held back due to a rough start and only finished 26th in points. Jason Leffler had a sub-par season that cost him his job with Chip Ganassi Racing, and Ron Hornaday was a disappointment after years of success in the Busch and Truck series. The last-place driver was Andy Houston, another pre-season favorite who had a tough season, suffering from several DNQs and DNFs that resulted in his team closing after the Kansas race.[7]
Facts
- There were 19 different race winners, a new record for the series.
- Five of these race winners won a Winston Cup race for the first time: Michael Waltrip in the Daytona 500, Kevin Harvick in the spring Atlanta race, Elliott Sadler in the spring Bristol race, Ricky Craven in the fall Martinsville race, and Robby Gordon in the season finale at New Hampshire.
- There were six first-time pole sitters in the 2001 Cup season: Stacy Compton, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch, Jason Leffler, Casey Atwood and Jeff Green. Up until Atwood's lead lap finish at Phoenix, the best finish for a first-time pole sitter was Leffler, when he finished 32nd at Kansas. He was on the lead lap with nine to go there, only to wreck. Compton finished 43rd at Talladega, as did Newman at Charlotte. Busch came in 42nd after a crash at Darlington, and Green came in 39th after one in Bristol.
- Mark Martin finished a Cup season without a win for the first time since 1996, and for the second time since 1989.
- Bill Elliott, Sterling Marlin, and Ricky Rudd each won a Winston Cup race for the first time since 1994, 1996, and 1998.
- Jeff Gordon won his fourth Winston Cup Championship, a feat that only two other drivers – Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt – had accomplished at the time.
- No rookies competed in all 36 races during this year; the closest were Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Casey Atwood with 35. Harvick did not compete in the Daytona 500, Atwood did not qualify for the spring Atlanta race, and Busch failed to qualify for the fall race in Atlanta.
- This was supposed to be the last season finale to be held at Atlanta. However, due to the September 11 attacks, the fall New Hampshire race was postponed until the first available date, which came after the Atlanta event.
- Dale Earnhardt was given credit for a 57th-place finish in the final points standings after losing his life on the last lap of the season-opening Daytona 500.
- 2001 was the last full-time Winston Cup season for Ron Hornaday, Jr.; Buckshot Jones, Andy Houston, and Jason Leffler. Hornaday, Jr. went to the Grand National Series in 2002 then in the Trucks again in 2005 and still races them today. Jones was fired after a few races that same year due to poor finishes. Houston went back to the Trucks Series and currently serves as the spotter for Austin Dillon. Leffler attempted to have a full-time ride with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2005 but was fired halfway into the season. He went back into Grand National from 2006 to 2011 then the Trucks for 2012. After being unemployed in 2013, he died in a sprint car racing accident.
- 2001 was the last year for teams Eel River Racing and Melling Racing.
- 2001 was the first year for teams Evernham Motorsports and BAM Racing.
- Until the 2014 Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway, the 2001 New Hampshire 300 was the last race to have 42 starters.
See also
References
- ↑ "Standings: 2001 Manufacturer Standings". NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Retrieved September 23, 2009.
- ↑ Dave Rodman, Turner Sports Interactive (February 21, 2001). "Earnhardt dies following Daytona 500 accident — February 21, 2001". NASCAR.com. Archived from the original on February 19, 2001. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ↑ "CNNSI.com - 2001 Daytona 500 - Chrysler's return conjures memories for veterans — Thursday February 15, 2001 12:42 am". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ↑ "Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site — Wins by Car Numbers". Jayski.com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ↑ =http://www.jayski.com/teams/nastuff.htm
- ↑ "Rookie of the Year (1958-2010)". Nascar.Com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ↑ "Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - 2001 Rookie of the Year". Jayski.com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.